Mindful Travel: Branson Edition

By Annie Sowell

 

As the subject of mindful tourism has become a topic of conversation amongst travelers, businesses in numerous destinations are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, energy usage, and material waste. Branson is no exception! As we are all becoming more aware of the effects of our everyday actions, purchases, and overall consumption, Branson businesses are making choices that take into account their costs related to energy and waste, their energy usage and the potential for alternative energy methods, and their environmental impact both during construction and in their overall operation. Keep reading to learn about these Branson attractions and businesses. 

 

Hilton Branson Convention Center

200 S Sycamore Street, Branson, MO 

The Convention Center is already conscious of their environmental impact, but to take things a step further, they will soon be implementing a new initiative, ASM Global ACTS. This initiative includes plans of beginning an herb garden onsite, planting fruit bearing trees, community service within the city of Branson, and many more efforts to track waste, glass recycling, and reducing overall waste.

 

Fritz's Adventure

1425 W 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO

In addition to the obvious repurposing of shipping containers used for indoor play equipment, Fritz’s Adventure boasts an impressive spread of solar panels atop their massive building. As of 2019, their roof is home to 393 solar modules, which work to reduce their energy usage and costs. It is projected at this time that they have saved in CO2 emissions approximately 1,130,502.25 lbs., which is the equivalent of nearly 8,542 trees planted! 

If you’ve visited Fritz’s Adventure, you know how large the facility is and how much energy is required to light and power their operations. This effort to more responsibly operate their business is making a difference not only to their own business costs but to the benefit of our environment. 

 

Totally Rad E-Bikes

1615 State Hwy 76, Branson, MO (plus other locations)

One of Branson’s newest additions, Totally Rad E-Bikes, offers rides through Branson in a way that hasn’t been available before! Not only reducing your emissions, these e-bikes are an eco-friendly and fun way to see Branson. These throttle-assisted class 2 e-bikes are street legal—and should be driven on the streets—and go up to speeds around 20 mph. 

 

Sparky the Trolley

Sparky the Trolley is a free service, running on a route around Historic Downtown Branson. With 13 stops throughout Downtown, at the Branson Landing, and along Lake Taneycomo, this allows you to make your way around town in a cost-effective and eco-conscious way. You’re able to park at any point around the area and head to the nearest stop to catch the trolley. 

For most of the year, the trolleys run each day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

 

Howler Bike Park

3410 US-65, Walnut Shade, MO

Howler Bike Park opened in the Ozarks in 2022, drawing riders and outdoor sports enthusiasts from near and far. They have built the park in harmony with the natural beauty and terrain of the Ozarks while constructing and maintaining trails that are well worth long-distance travel. Their main building, known as “Basecamp,” was created using six repurposed shipping containers, and another one serves as a first-aid station. With activities and trails to accommodate all levels of experience, Howler has responsibly built a facility on their 200 acres that allows all to experience the outdoors with no negative environmental impact. It’s a great addition for all lovers of the outdoors who visit Branson—and who are eco-conscious. 

 

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As travelers are taking into consideration the environmental impacts of their adventures, Branson is a destination taking sustainable action to be a destination that cares for the earth. The beauty of the Ozark Mountains serves as a reminder to each of us every day the gift that we have in this amazing planet, and we want to do our part.